NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Most would never know it. They may even think of it as a pesky 'weed.' Chances are, you have a healing powerhouse right in your backyard!

When most people hear the word plantain, they think of a banana or plantain chips they pick up at the grocery store. While those are delicious — and healthy — that's not the kind of plantain we're highlighting here.

What I want to share with you today is a completely different kind of plantain (Plantago major), unrelated to the banana.

This herb is a powerhouse when it comes to skin irritation and healing. It was a staple back in the day, but sadly with time, so much has been forgotten or simply not passed down.

So, my hope is to help educate people on the benefits, how to identify, and keep this green gold around for the family and generations to come.

This handy (and abundant) herb is incredible for cuts, burns, bites, stings, irritation, rashes, itching, eczema, and the list goes on. It has anti-inflammatory effects that work almost instantly. 

It has a drawing effect, so it can even be helpful with brown recluse spider bites, helping to draw poison/infection out. 

Here’s the deal – what we put on our skin matters. Most store-bought creams and lotions are loaded with toxic chemicals and quickly absorbed into our bloodstream, within as little as 30 seconds. I'm a mom, so it's very important for me to know and trust that what I'm putting on my children is safe.

The broadleaf plantain leaf (Plantago major) comes in different shapes and sizes. By paying attention to a few details, you can easily identify them.

Plantain leaves grow close to the ground. Their leaves are oval-shaped with thick, rippled veins on the back. The root is typically dark purple, and little white strings stick out once you pull them from the root. They’re abundant in Tennessee, available for all (likely right there in your backyard), and once you see it, you’ll never unsee it! You can find them in the early spring through the fall.

Once you find and pick your plantain leaf, you can either chew or chop it up. This will release the healing juices of the leaf. Then, just put it on the area that needs relief, band-aid it on there and voilà! You can also easily make a salve out of it, but that’s a story for another day! 

Herb walks have been a huge part of our family's homeschooling experience. When the boys (or Josh and I get a cut, sting, or you name it) the boys run out to the back, identify and pick a plantain leaf, and the rest is history. It’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family!

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and this is not medical advice.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/herb-walk-a-healing-powerhouse-right-in-your-backyard/